Words by Mel Elliott Photos supplied by Philip Oakley Philip Oakley and Jarvis live in a converted warehouse in Hastings. Jarvis’ twin...

This September, artist Sophie Barber opens her show, Mackerel sky, mackerel sky, never long wet, never long dry at Hastings Contemporary. Like many great stories, this is a journey that starts here, travels the world, sort of, and returns home triumphant. Born in 1996, it has taken less than thirty years to have a museum show of international importance in the town of her birth.

Friday saw the launch of three new major exhibitions at Hastigs Contemporary Gallery at Rock-a-Nore.

“My university was going out in the real world” 22-year old travel content creator on building a platform, community and breaking taboos. Isaac Elam known online as Isaacexploress, grew up in Hastings but has found friends, freedom and a career documenting his travels to dangerous and unexpected places.

Rob shares his signature dish of beef rendang. Let’s face it, it will almost certainly be better to experience it at the pub, but this will be a hit at home too!

Chris Leech and Phil Quarton run The St Leonard Public House 16-18 London Road, St Leonards.

Nestled on the edge of Ore Village lies an unassuming building. It may look like an ordinary workshop from the outside, but inside, the Hastings & St Leonards Men’s Shed is quietly rewriting the narrative of ageing and loneliness in East Sussex. In this corner of Hastings something remarkable is being built – not just beautifully crafted birdboxes and clocks, but friendships, purpose, and hope.

Alexandra Park has been awarded the best tennis Park Venue of the Year and Hastings based Joe Adams has won Coach of the Year at the Lawn Tennis Association Awards. In light of these awards, Get Hastings chatted with Joe and Ross Cudmore, who coach from the park, to find out how they’re breaking the exclusivity of tennis and proving anyone can play.

Tullis Rennie is a sound-explorer of many parts: part improvising trombonist, part electronic musician and part composer. Often to be found performing live around town, sometimes accompanied by digital animations and alongside many local collaborators. I chatted with Tullis about his work, background and musical style.

Get Hastings online is launching a brand new events listings section. We're always being asked to feature events in the print magazine but we're reluctant as we want the magazine to remain relevant for years to come.

Support in the creative economy Zeroh & Hell Yeah present Bottle Alley Art Market 2025 Saturday 23rd August 2025 10am - 6pm A free public event showcasing fine art from curated local and national artists.

This not-to-be-missed exhibition opens at 11am Wednesday 15 October, until Sunday 26 October, at The Regency Town House,13 Brunswick Square, Brighton BN3 1EH. Opening hours: 11am-5pm every day except Sunday 26, when the exhibition will close at 4pm.